Cochlear Hair Cell Electrochemistry: Mechanisms for Bidirectional Transduction.

Abstract

A unique division of labor exists within the mammalian cochlea where electrochemical energy generated by one organ (the stria vascularis) is used by cells in another organ (the organ of Corti). Specifically, outer hair cells carry out bi-directional transduction (mechano-electrical and electro-mechanical) utilizing the energy of the endocochlear potential. We have measured intracochlear potential gradients in vivo to examine the fine structure of cochlear ionic currents both in silence and in response to acoustic stimulation Brownell, W.E., Manis, P.B., & Zidanic, M., J. Acoust Soc. Am., 74:792-800 (1983); Brownell, W.E. Zidanic, M., & Spirou, G.A., Neurobiology of Hearing: The Cochlear, R.A. Altschuler, et.al. (Eds), Raven Press, 91-107 (1986). The spatial profiles of potential gradient magnitude (as large as 20 mV/mm) and direction are compatible with a flow of cations (largely potassium) in a local circuit that is driven by an ionic pump in stria vascularis. The standing current (the 'silent current') is large and can be measured in all three chambers of the mammalian ear. (MJM).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 1988
Accession Number
ADA195815

Entities

People

  • William Brownell

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Body Regions
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Ear
  • Electrochemistry
  • Medical Personnel
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Military Research
  • Organ Of Corti
  • Universities

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies